Golf swing training device and method

ABSTRACT

A method of training a golfer to swing a certain golf club upon a desired swing plane angle comprises the step of indicating a swing path guide in front of the golfer. The shape of the swing path guide corresponds to the desired swing plane angle for the golf club and the golfer. In other words, if the golfer swings the club so that the club head creates an arc that corresponds to (or aligns with) the curvilinear swing path guide, the desired swing plane angle will be achieved. A device to train a golfer to swing upon a desired swing plane angle comprises a swing path guide. The shape of the swing path guide corresponds to the desired swing plane angle for a certain golf club and the golfer.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a golf training device and method, and in particular to a golf swing training device and method wherein linear and curvilinear swing paths are used to promote planar golf swings with proper weight shift.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] All golfers want to develop a repeatable golf swing that consistently produces shots that travel in the direction of their target. More advanced golfers also want to “work” the ball by making it curve intentionally to the left or to the right depending on the situation (that is, the location of the target, the wind conditions etc.). In either case, a golfer must execute a correct swing from back swing through follow-through, including a proper weight shift, to achieve the desired type of golf shot.

[0003] It is generally accepted that the preferred golf swing is planar. However, merely having a planar golf swing does not always produce the desired type of golf shot. The golfer should also achieve the appropriate angle of the swing plane to produce a particular flight path of the ball. The angles for the swing plane range from a “flatter” swing plane sometimes referred to as a “baseball swing” to a more “upright” or “vertical” swing plane.

[0004] In general, a flat (that is, relatively closer to horizontal in its angle) swing plane promotes a lower, “hooking” flight path (that is, curving from right to left for a right-handed golfer or curving from left to right for a left-handed golfer). On the other hand, an upright (that is, relatively closer to vertical in its angle) swing plane promotes a higher, “slicing” flight path (that is, curving from left to right for a right-handed golfer or curving from right to left for a left-handed golfer). Intermediate swing plane angles can produce a straight flight path, a “fade” (that is, a gentle slice) or a “draw” (that is, a gentle hook). Thus, to hit golf shots that include straight shots, hooks, draws, fades, and slices, it is important not only to have a planar swing, and to control the height of the flight path, but to also achieve an appropriate angle of the swing plane.

[0005] It is also generally accepted that the preferred golf swing has a weight shift which entails shifting the body weight from back foot on the back swing to the front foot on the follow-through. However, most novice golfers fail to execute a proper weight shift. Many of these golfers believe that to hit the golf ball in the air they must swing up at the ball. This action causes a reverse weight shift, wherein weight is shifted from the front foot to the back foot during the swing, which robs the golf shot of power and distance. A common correction for the reverse weight shift is to have these golfers swing down and through the ball (an action that promotes a correct weight shift from the back foot to the front foot on follow-through).

[0006] Although there a number of simple golf practice tools available for training golfers to swing on a predetermined path, these tools do not adequately address development of a desired swing plane angle and proper weight shift. Devices which do address development of a desired swing plane angle are typically very expensive and cumbersome to use and to transport. Moreover, those devices typically do not allow a full speed, uninhibited golf swing during use of the device.

[0007] It is, therefore, desirable to develop a swing training device and method to assist in developing a desired swing plane angle. It is also desirable that such golf swing training device and method assist in developing a proper weight shift during the golf swing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention provides a method of training a golfer to swing upon a desired swing plane angle. In general, the method comprises the step of:

[0009] a. providing or indicating a swing path guide in front of the golfer, a shape of swing path guide corresponding to the certain swing plane angle for a certain golf club and the golfer.

[0010] The method preferably further comprises the step of:

[0011] b. having the golfer swing the golf club on the path of the curvilinear swing path guide.

[0012] In general, the shape of the swing path guide is a projection of the desired swing plane onto a surface. The shape of the swing path guide is typically a function of variables including the golfer's stance and the length of the golf club.

[0013] Typically, the swing path guide has a curvilinear shape. The curvature of the curvilinear swing path guide can be increased to promote a more horizontal swing plane angle. Likewise, the curvature of the curvilinear swing guide can be decreased to promote a more vertical swing plane angle. In accordance with common teaching techniques, the shape/curvature of the swing path guide can be exaggerated to train a certain swing plane angle. For example, a linear swing path guide can be used to exaggerate a very upright swing path to train a golfer to slice the ball. Moreover, multiple swing path guides of different shape can be tested by a golfer to determine the appropriately shaped swing path guide corresponding to a particular swing plane angle for that golfer.

[0014] The swing path guide may comprise a physical template placed on a surface in front of the golfer. The shape/curvature of the template may be fixed or adjustable. Alternatively, the swing path guide may be “virtual,” comprising, for example, a projection of visible light.

[0015] The present invention also provides a device to train a golfer to swing upon a desired swing plane angle. The device comprises a swing path guide as described above.

[0016] The device may comprise ball rest upon which the ball is placed during a golf swing, which may positioned on the swing path guide. The device may further comprise on a forward end of the swing path guide a forward target to be struck by the golf club during a golf swing. The swing path guide further preferably comprises on a rearward end thereof a rearward target to be struck by the golf club during a golf swing.

[0017] The present invention also provides a golf training system comprising a plurality of swing path guides. Each of the swing path guides has a different shape (for example, curvature), corresponding to a unique swing plane angle for a certain golf club and the golfer.

[0018] The present invention thus provides linear and curvilinear swing path guides shaped to the projection of an angled swing plane at or near to the ball hitting zone. Various swing path angles and, thereby, various golf shots can be executed by changing the radius of curvature of the curvilinear swing path guide. Preferably, the curvilinear swing path guide is provided symmetrically about the position of a golf ball or golf ball target in both the back swing and forward swing directions to provide optimum visualization. Additionally, the swing path guide can be made adjustable to the various swing paths desired.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019]FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of a golf swing training device.

[0020]FIG. 2 illustrates an isometric view of the embodiment of FIG. 1.

[0021]FIG. 3A illustrates a side view of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0022]FIG. 3B illustrated a top plan view of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0023]FIG. 3C illustrates a side cross-sectional view of a portion of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0024]FIG. 4A illustrates a plan view of various curvilinear swing path base arcs.

[0025]FIG. 4B illustrates an embodiment of a swing path guide in which the shape/arc thereof is variable.

[0026]FIG. 5 illustrates a front view and a top view of a golfer showing three angled swing planes and their corresponding curvilinear swing paths as projected onto the surface of the ground.

[0027]FIG. 6 illustrates an isometric view of another embodiment of a device of the present invention.

[0028]FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate isometric views of another embodiment of a device of the present invention.

[0029]FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate isometric views of another embodiment of a device of the present invention.

[0030]FIG. 9 illustrates and embodiment of the present invention in which a swing path guide is projected onto a surface in front of the golfer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ONE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0031] In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, a golf training device assembly 5 includes a linear or curvilinear swing path guide or base 20 is placed on an existing driving range mat 15 by placing a ball target tee opening or passage 36 over an existing driving range ball target tee 40. A golf ball may optionally be placed on ball target tee 40 during the golf swing.

[0032] Referring to FIGS. 2 through 3C, golf-training device assembly 5 is shown comprising curvilinear swing path guide or base 20 with a swing path target 30. Swing path base 20 is preferably a relatively rigid plate having a curvilinear shape based upon or corresponding to the projection of the golfer's angled swing plane onto the ground surface at or near the ball contact zone (see FIG. 5). In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, swing path base 20 is preferably fabricated from a low friction, tough material such as polypropylene on a top surface 20 a thereof, while a bottom surface 20 b thereof is preferably fabricated from a higher friction material such as foam rubber to prevent sliding of swing path base 20 during a golf swing. Surfaces 20 a and 20 b may, for example, be bonded together with an appropriate adhesive as known in the art.

[0033] As discussed above, swing path base 20 preferably has a generally centrally located hole or passage 36 on a centerline or a center arc 9 thereof for locating a ball target tee 40 and, optionally, a golf ball 80. An alignment indicator such as line 45 preferably assists in alignment of the device with, for example, driving range mat 15 and for alignment of target tee 40 and/or golf ball 80 with the swing stance. The swing path base 20 preferably extends forward and rearward symmetrically with regard to alignment line 45. Additionally, swing path base 20 preferably includes at least one hole or passage 35 a for mounting a forward swing path target 30 (for example, a standard driving range tee) and another hole or passage 35 b for mounting a rearward swing path target 50 (for example, a standard driving range tee). See FIGS. 3A and 3B.

[0034] In one embodiment, swing path base 20 is preferably approximately 24 inches long by approximately 6 inches wide and is weighted sufficiently for stability. One or more swing path bases are thus readily portable and easily transported to any practice area. The swing path bases can be placed upon any suitable surface such as a practice mat or directly upon the ground.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 4A, several swing path bases 20, 21 and 22 are provided that are suitable to promote swing plane angles (see FIG. 5, swing path angles A, B and C, respectively) corresponding to straight and curved golf shots. For a particular golf stance or posture and a particular golf club, for example, swing path base 22 is suitable for developing a slicing shot, swing path base 21 is suitable for developing a generally straight shot, and swing path base 20 is suitable for developing a hooking shot. A linear base (not shown) can be used to develop a slicing shot for some users.

[0036] Although not necessarily a radius, curvilinear path base 22 (or centerline arc 9) is approximated by an infinite radius of curvature (that is, by a straight line). Curvilinear path base 21 is approximated by a radius of curvature of 84 inches. Curvilinear path base 20 is approximated by a radius of curvature 45 inches. Swing path base 20 is identical to swing path bases 21 and 22 except for the amount of curvature of the curvilinear path. Although, each of bases 20 and 21 are shown to be curvilinear, such bases can be rectangular in shape with only centerline arc 9 thereof defining a curvilinear swing path guide.

[0037] In determining the appropriate swing path projection for a golfer to develop a certain ball flight path several parameter may be considered. As clear to one skilled in the art the following parameter are most important: the golfer's stance or posture and the length of the club to be used. The golfer's stance or posture includes variables such as the golfer's height, arm length and the distance the golfer stands from the ball. All of theses factors are typically used, for example, in fitting a golfer for clubs. The above parameters as well as others (including swing idiosyncrasies) can give the golfer or an assisting golf professional an initial idea of an appropriate swing path projection of base. The appropriate swing path projection or base can then quickly be identified by having the golfer hit a few shots with bases of various shape.

[0038] As illustrated in FIG. 4B, a swing path base 23 can also be made adjustable to the various swing paths/swing plane angles. In the embodiment of FIG. 4B, swing path base 23 comprises a first portion 23′ and a second portion 23″ that are rotatable about a center hole 36′ to simulate different curvatures. An adjustable swing path base can also be fabricated, for example, from a material (such as a metal) that can be formed or bent to different curvilinear swing paths.

[0039] As discussed above, ball target tee 40 is preferably a standard driving range rubber tee. The height of ball target tee 40 is preferably variable depending upon how high the golfer usually tees golf ball 80. Ball target tee 40 is preferably positioned on centerline arc 9 of the swing path base 20 and is preferably positioned centrally between the forward end and the rearward end of swing path base 20, allowing for a maximum visualization of the swing path in both the back swing and forward swing directions.

[0040] In one embodiment, the forward swing path target 30 is positioned through opening 35 a approximately ten inches in front of ball target tee 40 on centerline arc 9 of swing path base 20. Forward swing path target 30 is preferably a standard driving range tee but can also, for example, be a knock-down type target. The height of the swing path targets used in the present invention is preferably about 1 inch higher than the height of golf ball 80 when mounted on ball target tee 40. Forward swing path target 30 preferably provides visual, audible and/or tactile feedback when contacted by the golf club.

[0041] Rearward or back swing path target 50 is preferably positioned through opening 35 b approximately ten inches behind ball target tee 40 on centerline arc 9 of swing path base 20. Back swing path target 50 is preferably a standard driving range tee, but can also, for example, be a knock-down type target. Like forward swing path target 30, the height of the back swing path target 50 is preferably about 1 inch higher than the height of golf ball 80 when mounted on ball target tee 40. Back swing path target 50 preferably provides visual, audible and/or tactile feedback when contacted by the golf club.

[0042] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 5, swing path training device 5 is preferably used in the following manner. First, the golfer selects the appropriate swing path base arc (for example, as indicated by swing path guides or bases 20, 21, or 22) for the desired type of shot. The golfer may then optionally tee a ball 80 and take a traditional stance for the club being used. Next, the golfer swings the club head in the back swing direction following the arc of the swing path guide. From this point the golfer continues the back swing until complete. On the forward swing, the golfer follows arc 9 of the swing path guide during the bottom portion of the swing into and through the impact zone contacting ball 80 and/or ball target tee 40. From the impact zone, the golfer continues to follow the arc of the swing path guide to preferably impact swing path target 30. From this point the golfer finishes the forward swing follow-through. A correct swing path/swing plane angle is indicated by the club head contacting ball 80 or ball target tee 40 and also contacting forward swing path target 30. Missing swing path target 30 indicates an incorrect swing. Optional back swing target 50 can be used in a similar manner along with forward swing target 30 to provide feedback to the golfer.

[0043] As illustrated in FIG. 6, swing path base 20 may also include openings 90 for the attachment of a tee positioning or attachment member 92 for hitting irons directly off of a driving range mat. Tee positioning member 92 is preferably fabricated from rubber so as to not damage the club when hit. Attached to tee positioning member 92 through a passage in an end of tee positioning member 92 is a swing path target 30 (for example, a standard driving range golf tee).

[0044] Referring to FIG. 7A and 7B, another embodiment of a golf training device assembly 200 is assembled by inserting the interchangeable cutout mat 210 into a driving range mat 15′ with a matching cutout. Mat 210 can also be used independently from mat 15′. In one embodiment, mat 210 is approximately 30 inches long and approximately 12 inches wide. Mat 210 is preferably suitably weighted for stability.

[0045] Another embodiment of a device assembly 400 of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 8A and 8B. In this embodiment, swing path guide 410 preferably comprises a frame fabricated from a relatively rigid material (such as a metal or a plastic material) including an inner guide or frame member 412 and an outer guide or frame member 415 that correspond to a projection of a desire swing path as discussed above. The area between inner and outer frame members 412 and 415 defines a swing path for the club head during a golf swing. In that regard, the club head preferably travels between inner and outer frame members 412 and 415 during the bottom portion of the swing without contacting either inner and outer frame members 412 and 415. Swing path guide 410 preferably comprises an alignment indicator 445 preferably positioned perpendicular to the golfer's stance. A golf ball 80 is preferably placed generally centrally within the swing path defined by inner and outer frame members 412 and 415. A forward swing target 430 is preferably provided as discussed above. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8A, forward swing target 430 is a common wooden golf tee. A similar back swing target (not shown in FIG. 8A) may also be provided.

[0046] Swing path guide assembly 400 may also include forward swing indicators 435 and two back swing indicator attachments 435 for locating swing targets 430. Indicator attachments 435 may, for example, comprise generally aligned raised portions on inner and outer frame members 412 and 415 as illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B. In FIG. 8B a target connector 432 is shown to be connected at one end thereof to one of forward indicator attachments 435. The other end of target connector 432 preferably comprises a passage through which a common rubber driving range mat 430′ tee can be passed. Swing path guide 410 may be placed directly on the ground or upon driving ranged mat 15.

[0047] The swing path bases or guides of the present invention can also comprise a plurality swing guides or targets (for example, common driving range tees) along the length of centerline arc 9 or along the perimeter of the desired arc to assist the golfer by providing a visualization and feedback tool to the golfer. visual, audible and/or tactile feedback to the golfer.

[0048] In FIG. 9, another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in which a swing path guide 620 is projected (preferably on a surface) in front of the golfer using light from a projector 625. Projection of a swing path guide or other means of producing a virtual swing path guide (for example, electronic imaging using LED's) provide a mechanism for easily adjusting the form of the swing path guide. In FIG. 9, standard golf tees 630 and 650 are positioned on swing path guide 620 as knock-down swing targets.

[0049] Although the present invention has been described in detail in connection with the above examples, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that variations can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention except as it may be limited by the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of training a golfer to swing upon a certain swing plane angle, the method comprising the step of: a. providing a swing path guide in front of the golfer, a shape of swing path guide corresponding to the certain swing plane angle for a certain golf club and the golfer.
 2. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of: b. having the golfer swing the golf club on the path of the curvilinear swing path guide.
 3. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of: c. before providing the swing path guide in front of the golfer, determining the shape of the swing path guide to correspond to the certain swing plane angle for a certain golf club and the golfer, the shape being a projection of the swing plane onto a surface.
 4. The method of claim 3 wherein the swing path guide shape is determined from variables including the golfer's stance and the length of the golf club.
 5. The method of claim 1 wherein the swing path guide has a curvilinear shape.
 6. The method of claim 5 wherein the curvature of the curvilinear swing path guide is increased to promote a more horizontal swing plane angle and the curvature of the curvilinear swing guide is decreased to promote a more vertical swing plane angle.
 7. The method of claim 1 wherein the swing path guide comprises a physical template placed on a surface in front of the golfer.
 8. The method of claim 7 wherein a curvature of the template is adjustable.
 9. The method of claim 1 wherein the swing path guide comprises a projection of visible light.
 10. The method of claim 2 wherein the golfer swings the golf club on the path of a plurality of curvilinear swing path guides of different shapes to determine the one of the plurality of swing path guides corresponding to the certain swing plane.
 11. A device to train a golfer to swing upon a desired swing plane angle, the device comprising a swing path guide, a shape of the swing path guide corresponding to the desired swing plane angle for a certain golf club and the golfer.
 12. The device of claim 11 wherein the shape of the swing path guide corresponds to a projection of the swing plane onto a surface.
 13. The device of claim 11 wherein the swing path guide has a curvilinear shape.
 14. The device of claim 13 wherein the curvature of the curvilinear swing path guide is increased to promote a more horizontal swing plane angle and the curvature of the curvilinear swing guide is decreased to promote a more vertical swing plane angle.
 15. The device of claim 11 wherein the swing path guide comprises a physical template placed on a surface in front of the golfer.
 16. The device of claim 15 wherein a curvature of the template is adjustable.
 17. The device of claim 11 wherein the swing path guide comprises a projection of visible light.
 18. The device of claim 15 wherein the swing path guide is fabricated from a thin piece of rigid material.
 19. The device of claim 15 , further comprising a ball rest upon which the ball is positioned during a golf swing.
 20. The device of claim 15 wherein the swing path guide further comprises on a forward end thereof a forward target to be struck by the golf club during a golf swing.
 21. The device of claim 15 wherein the swing path guide further comprises on a rearward end thereof a rearward target to be struck by the golf club during a golf swing.
 22. The device of claim 15 wherein the swing path guide comprises a curvilinear frame corresponding to the desired swing plane angle for a certain golf club and the golfer.
 23. A golf training system to be used by a golfer comprising a plurality of swing path guides, each of the swing path guides having a different curvature, the amount of curvature of each of the swing path guides corresponding to a unique swing plane angle for a certain golf club and the golfer.
 24. The system of claim 23 wherein the amount of curvature of the curvilinear swing path guide is increased to promote a more horizontal swing plane angle and the amount of curvature of the curvilinear swing guide is decreased to promote a more vertical swing plane angle. 